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Namibia Critical Metals (NCMI) is advancing a new phase of growth at its Lofdal Heavy Rare Earths project, leveraging strong backing from strategic partners to expand resources, extend mine life and enhance the project’s long-term development profile.
The launch of the 2026 drilling campaign marks a critical step in unlocking additional value at Lofdal, with a clear focus on both near-term resource optimisation and longer-term scale potential. The programme, which commenced on 3 June 2026, is designed to strengthen the project’s foundation as a globally significant source of heavy rare earth elements.
The drill programme commenced on 3 June 2026 and is designed to deliver a maiden resource for the 1.5 km-long xenotime-mineralised system at Area 5, located between the planned Area 4 and Area 2B pits. It also includes the first deep hole to test the potential extension of the Area 4 deposit to a depth of 800 metres, supporting studies into a possible future underground mining option. In addition, the programme aims to increase the Measured Resource category at Area 4 and to expand both Indicated and Measured Resources at Area 2B.
“We are excited about the potential impact of this drilling campaign of not only expanding resources in our deposits with already existing mine plans but also stepping into potential additional satellite resources at Area 5. Testing the extension of the Area 4 deposit to a depth of about 800 meters has the biggest potential impact for further mine life or increased throughput. Our experts in underground mining design are on standby to potentially guide the project to a significant expansion of the mine.”
The programme combines infill and expansion drilling with deeper exploratory work, reflecting a dual-track strategy of de-risking existing mine plans while unlocking new growth avenues. A total of 83 reverse circulation holes are planned over a five-month period, targeting approximately 13 000 metres, alongside core drilling to test the depth extension of Area 4.
Particular attention is being directed toward Area 5, where systematic drilling across a 1.5 km mineralised system could define a maiden resource and introduce a new satellite zone between existing pits. At the same time, the deep drilling of Area 4 to approximately 800 metres is expected to inform potential underground mining scenarios, with significant implications for extending mine life and increasing throughput.
The presence of strategic partners Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and Toyota Tsusho underscores the project’s growing importance within global critical minerals supply chains. Both partners recently conducted a site visit to Lofdal, alongside engagements with Namibian government stakeholders and local communities, reinforcing alignment on long-term development objectives.
Lofdal is recognised as a Tier-1 heavy rare earths asset, with high concentrations of dysprosium and terbium, key inputs for permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines and advanced technologies. As demand for these materials accelerates, supply security has become a strategic priority for industrial economies, elevating the importance of projects such as Lofdal.
Backed by a structured funding agreement, JOGMEC has already earned a 40% interest in the project, reflecting sustained commitment to securing reliable sources of critical minerals. The partnership framework also positions Lofdal within a broader ecosystem of Japanese industrial participation in global resource development.
With a 25 year mining licence in place and Namibia’s reputation as a stable mining jurisdiction, Lofdal is well positioned to advance toward production while scaling its resource base. The current drilling campaign is expected to play a central role in defining that trajectory. As exploration progresses, NCM is reinforcing Lofdal’s role as a long-life, strategically backed asset in the evolving global rare earths landscape.
